Disclaimer: Sonic the Hedgehog and other affiliated characters are property of SEGA (C)
Chapter 1
The Usual Lover's Quarrel
The maddening beat of frustrated toe-tapping reverberated on the walls of the small wooden hut. In the dwellings center, stood a defiant azure hedgehog, hands crossed, one foot rapping against the floorboards in a defiant and boorish gesture of impatience. His insistent eyes glared at the Princess, only to be met by an equal pair of adamant orbs.
"Sonic Hedgehog, I forbid you to take Tails to Robotroplois! I will not allow you to make him both a witness and quite possibly a victim to Robotnik's evil." Her voice of reason was swiftly led astray as it drove itself in one ear of the headstrong hedgehog and directly out the other.
The ever prompt Sonic was quick to counter in Tails defense, "Tails has been with me as long as I can remember Sal. You and I both know that my little buddy can take care of himself." He motioned to the coy, two-tailed fox that had withdrawn behind him. Having lived with the Princess Sally and her azure hero for as long as he could remember, Tails soon learned to hold his tongue during their frequent squabbles.
"I don't care how many years you have known him Sonic. Taking a 10 year-old boy out into a battlefield is just plain crazy!" Sally's mouth twisted into a disapproving frown.
Sonic feigned a sigh, shaking his head disapprovingly, "Sal . . .Sal . . .Sal." He exhaled her name to the tune of a tsk. "You worry too much. Why, crazy is my middle name!" The hedgehog removed a gloved hand from the position across his upper body and pointed a thumb to his chest.
The Princess felt herself nearing the breaking point. No matter the condition of the quarrel, it was Sonic's ill-mannered motion and sheer persistence that most often declared him the victor. Overpowered and overwhelmed, Sally could not help but admit to herself that these were the qualities in him that she cherished and in the end could not deny.
"Fine." Defeat slipped from her lips in the form of a long sigh. "It doesn't matter what I say because you are not going to listen either way."
Tails suddenly erupted from behind Sonic, throwing a fist into the air in triumph. "All right! Thanks Aunt Sally." He darted over to her, stood atop his toes and extended his arms toward her. Sally bent down and wrapped her arms around him. With her head nested gently on the nook of his shoulder, she turned her attention past Tails to meet Sonic's triumphant grin. "It'll be all right Sal. I'll be there with 'em. No worries okay?" He gave her a wink as his face slowly softened into an expression of gratitude.
Sally turned her attention back to Tails. "Now, I want you to be careful, okay Tails? Don't get yourself into trouble out there." She patted the top of his head gently as he beamed with excitement.
The two figures exited the hut, their voices becoming garbled before fading completely. The Princess Sally continued to gaze at the door; a forlorn expression dampened her would-be smile, "Come home safe . . . both of you." She whispered.